JACKSON, MI – A former Career Quest Learning Centers employee is suing the Jackson location, alleging that she was fired unjustly for intending to report health and safety violations to the state.

Summit Township resident Cheryl Gabbard, who worked as a full-time instructor at Career Quest in Jackson from December to April, filed the lawsuit with the Jackson County Circuit Court on July 23.

Gabbard alleges that Career Quest, 209 E. Washington Ave., had allowed a number of practices, such as reusing needles, leaving students unattended while drawing blood and leaving unlabeled injectables open, that violated state health and safety regulations.

“They like to sweep things under the rug,” said Gabbard, 46. "They are doing things that can jeopardize life."

In April, she contacted the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration to initiate the complaint-filing process after she said the issues were not addressed by management. Gabbard made Career Quest officials aware that she planned to file a complaint.

Cheryl Gabbard

On April 24, Gabbard was told by management that she was no longer needed and that there were no classes for her to teach, she said. Gabbard alleges she was fired because of her plans to file a complaint with MIOSHA.

“I have no doubt on what happened,” she said.

Career Quest Learning Centers issued the following statement:

“Career Quest Learning Centers takes pride in its reputation for integrity by encouraging the highest standards of conduct by those within our community. Our policies and procedures are designed to protect the interests and safety of all students, faculty and employees and we expect that all employees will abide them. The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) conducted an inspection of the Jackson, Michigan campus in June of 2012 and Career Quest is currently in full compliance with all regulatory and statutory requirements.

"Additionally, Career Quest Learning Centers maintains an Open Door Policy and we encourage our faculty and employees to bring any matter to the attention of their supervisor or the Executive Director for advice and consultation. Career Quest did not dismiss Ms. Gabbard for bringing concerns to the attention of senior staff.”

Gabbard alleges that the firing was a violation of the Michigan Whistleblower Protection Act.

Gabbard is suing Career Quest for an amount exceeding $25,000 for
compensatory and exemplary damages. She filed a formal complaint with MIOSHA in
May.

The lawsuit says that Gabbard has lost wages and other economic benefits of employment and has suffered harm to her reputation, humiliation, embarrassment and great mental anguish and emotional distress.

WLNS video: Career QuestFormer Career Quest employee Cheryl Gabbard discusses her lawsuit against Career Quest Learning Centers in Jackson.

Gabbard said the lawsuit against Career Quest is not about the money. It is a public health issue, she said.